Staples has become the first major U.S. retailer to offer easy access to 3-D printers on its website. Staples is offering a printer by a company called 3D Systems known as The Cube. The 3-D printer is available for $1,299.

The Cube uses digital design files as blueprints to build physical three-dimensional objects layer-by-layer using plastic. The printer is capable of printing just about anything the user can dream up from action figures to iPhone docks and more.

Cube 3D Printer

The Cube can print products up to 5 1/2 inches on each dimension. Print media is available in 16 different colors and the printer ships with 25 design templates included.

Staples will also offer consumables for the 3-D printer online and in some of its stores.

Speaking of 3-D printers, a company called Defense Distributed recently tested the world's first completely 3-D printed gun. The only parts of the weapon not created using a 3-D printer are the firing pin, which is a nail, and the .380 caliber bullet. The weapon successfully completed a single test shot and misfired on an additional test shot.

When loaded with a more powerful 5.7 x 28 rifle cartridge the gun exploded.

Agreed about the P90 and 57 being nice weapons. Both handle extremely well and is in my opinion a special purpose 9mm replacement.

However, it does not have the stopping power of .45 ACP. Is it lethal, very much so... look at Fort Hood. But the first sworn PD (in GA) to use as their carry engaged in active fire with it, but quickly went back to his previous weapon.

IMHO... 357 Sig is the all around best pistol round. Standard issue for NJ State PD and TX DPS. Since TX has been using it, there has been only one survivor with the remaining being fatal wounds.

I have both a FiveseveN and a PS90. I wouldn't trade either of them for anything. While we could get into one of those great internet fights of 9mm vs .45, I would just say that the 5.7x28mm cartridge tends to perform alot like a 9mm as far as ballistics go. The great benefit of the FiveseveN, however, is that fully loaded with 20+1 rounds the thing is 30% lighter than your typical polymer 9mm with 16+1 rounds. It is a larger firearm, however the weight is incredibly low and the recoil is light enough to make follow on shots easy. It was a great compliment to my collection of normal 9mm and .45 ACP handguns.

For those that are unfamiliar with the notation of X+1 on magazine sizes, many folks that carry, either concealed or openly, will have the firearm with a full magazine and one loaded in the chamber. This is normally done with any applicable safety on. In the unlikely event of its being needed, no time is wasted having to chamber a round.

In regards to the printed gun, no thanks. I do not plan on having any of my guns blow up in my hand. Technology is getting better, but it is not there yet.